Commodore George Dewey

Occupation: I graduated from the Naval Academy at the age of 20 and became a lieutenant four short years later. I also served in the Civil War with Admiral Farragut in the Battle of New Orleans. My jobs varried between the years of 1871-1896, but in 1896 I was the first to lead six modern battleships and was promoted to Commodore. In 1897 I was named the commmader of the Asiatic Squadron due to my strong political ties with people such as Theodore Roosevelt. I am well known for demolishing the Spanish forces at Cavite on Manila Bay and solely occupying it for about four months. After the victory at The Battle of Manila Bay I was promted to admiral and considered a national hero.

Position on the issue: It is clear for one to see that I am indeed for the annexation of the Philippines beacuse I destroyed the entire fleet of Spanish forces at Manila. Not only did I win at the Battle of Manila Bay, but I also solely occupied it from May till August. After the victory at The Battle of Manila Bay I was promted to admiral and considered a national hero.

Reasons for interest:
1. Puts us on the World Stage (Competition with other countries)
2. Raw Materials
3. If we don't annex the Philippines, Germany will
4. We've shown that we can win (easy battle, not one man was lost)

References:
Theodore Roosevelt- He was responsible for naming me Aisatic Squadron in 1897. Along with my promotion we also have many political ideals in common, but mainly our stance on the annexation of the Philippines.

Admiral Farragut- A close companion from the Civil war. I served with him in the Battle of New Orleans as a part of the Atlantic Blockade. He knows just how effective and proficient my leadership skills are.

Sources:
"Commentary on Commodore George Dewey." American Journey Online: World War I and the Jazz Age. Primary Source Microfilm, 2000. Reproduced in History Resource Center. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HistRC/

"George Dewey - Spanish-American War Commodore George Dewey." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. 30 Mar. 2010 http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/naval/p/dewey.htm.

"George Dewey." George Dewey. 04 June 1998. 29 Mar. 2010 http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/dewey.html.